Hawthorn's

Happy New Year everyone. Or, if you prefer, Happy Nude Bear.

With this extra time off from work, I am finally getting around to the post about the December blogger meet up at Hawthorn’s in North Park. This all might seem a little familiar to you if you read the recent blog post at Oh So Yummy.

I’ll just post about a few of the food items:

Ahi Tuna Tartare with Capers & Olive Tapenade $12: This was the winning appetizer.

Stuffed Roasted Chicken Breast with Goat Cheese & Artichoke Stuffing $18: I think this is what they refer to as the “old” favorite recipe from the previous Fifth & Hawthorn restaurant.

Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops with Corn Polenta, Portabello (bello or bella?) Mushrooms & Truffle Jus $27: Seared just long enough – this was tasty but at this price point I’d expect a little more.

The place is a nice addition to the neighborhood and was busy for a weeknight. We did share a couple of desserts – I understand that they come from Heaven Sent Desserts (just a block away) so you could just have your final course there (and have a lot more selection.) All in all, I’d give the edge to The Linkery in the same neighborhood and would choose to return there before a return to Hawthorns.

Of course, stopping in for drinks and appetizers for happy hour in the bar is always possible! They do offer a “couples” menu for $65 a couple which includes entrees, a shared appetizer and dessert plus wine. I think they only offer this on slower nights.

Sidenote: Service was a little funky at first. It’s my understanding a Hawthorn's staff member invited Brunch Master Jim (Thanks Jim, we own you a meal!) to gather up interested bloggers for a "Meet & Eat" to come out and try their newish location and that they would offer some extra specials and complimentary items. Things didn’t quite work out in that regard so the wait staff didn’t operate as smoothly as they could have.

And thanks to Dennis for the photos.